Market Basket employee arrested for setting Gloucester store fires

Police have arrested a Market Basket employee for allegedly setting two fires at the grocery store in Gloucester. The incident occurred last Friday evening at the store on Gloucester Crossing Road. Firefighters arrived at the scene at around 8:20 p.m. They found one fire in the stockroom and another in the cardboard compactor. Additional fire crews were called, and both fires were put out by 9 p.m. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Matthew R. Johnson, faces charges of burning personal property and attempting to burn a building. He is scheduled to appear in court later today. No injuries were reported, and the store reopened the next day after passing inspections. The health department required that all affected food and packaging be thrown away. Gloucester's Mayor, Greg Verga, expressed relief that no one was hurt and emphasized the importance of safe food access for residents.